BOYS HOOPS: Conroe aiming for return to the postseason

Conroe guard Bryce Harris (2) drives the ball during the first quarter of a District 12-6A high school basketball game at Conroe High School, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018, in Conroe.

Conroe guard Bryce Harris (2) drives the ball during the first quarter of a District 12-6A high school basketball game at Conroe High School, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018, in Conroe.

Photo: Jason Fochtman, Staff Photographer / Houston Chronicle

Photo: Jason Fochtman, Staff Photographer / Houston Chronicle

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Conroe guard Bryce Harris (2) drives the ball during the first quarter of a District 12-6A high school basketball game at Conroe High School, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018, in Conroe.

Conroe guard Bryce Harris (2) drives the ball during the first quarter of a District 12-6A high school basketball game at Conroe High School, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018, in Conroe.

Photo: Jason Fochtman, Staff Photographer / Houston Chronicle

BOYS HOOPS: Conroe aiming for return to the postseason

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Conroe coach Daryl Mason has seen plenty of success over his first three seasons leading the boys basketball program, guiding his teams to the postseason twice and cultivating a new standard.

The Tigers will look to continue on that track this year after going through some struggles last season and missing the playoffs, but they will have to do it without all-time leading scorer Jay Lewis, who graduated in May. Despite the void left by the standout point guard, Mason is confident in the players returning to the fold.

“They’re really motivated,” Mason said. “We talk about the expectation of the program every day at practice. They see the two guys on the wall — the two guys that are seniors — they’ve been a part of the program that’s been to the playoffs twice in three years. We’re still working on changing the culture here within the basketball program. They’re excited and motivated and ready to put it all together.”

With Lewis no longer on the roster, the Tigers will rely on some familiar faces to be the primary scorers. Michael Phoenix, who was a second-team all-district selection last year, will join the team after football season wraps up for Conroe tonight. The junior guard averaged about 12 points per game last year, as did senior guard Bryce Harris, a four-year varsity player who will also be heavily counted on.

Other key contributors for Conroe include Keith Edmond, who Mason said has come on strong during the offseason, and David Spurlock, a returning varsity player and talented shooter. Mason said Spurlock has gained a lot of confidence in his game, and he is also expecting good things from David Sanchez, who was on the junior varsity team last season.

“As far as scoring the ball, we’re really going to be leaning on Bryce Harris and Michael Phoenix,” Mason said. “We’re really looking at a committee type of deal to replace Jay. Our style of play will be a little bit different, whereas when we had Jay, we put the ball in his hands, and he thrived a lot better under a certain pace. The pace will probably be a little slower this year, a little more deliberate, moving the ball around and getting quality shots.”

One of the primary challenges for the Tigers this season will be the new nine-team district they will be competing in. Conroe will face off against familiar foes The Woodlands, College Park and Oak Ridge, along with five new opponents with the addition of the Klein ISD schools.

“There are some really good teams, really good coaches, and I’ve got a lot of respect for the coaches in the district,” Mason said. “Just top to bottom it’s a tough district. If you’re not ready to play, it can get ugly pretty quick, so we’ve just got to be on our ‘A’ game.”

Conroe begins the season tonight on the road against Spring before hosting Willis on Tuesday.